System32/Drivers - Big Problem Help Needed Please!

november

I've signed on on my OH's computer as mine won't work. I've got back from work today to find it keeps crashing and saying there was a driver error but not specifying. Error report stated I had installed new software or hardware and there was a problem with that - but I haven't.

However when I closed it down last it did say it was installing necessary Microsoft update so I don't know if that's it.

Anyway I now have managed to get a message up which says

"Windows could not start because the following file was missing or corrupt:
System32/Drivers/Ntfs.sys"

And the thing won't work at all (up to this point it was loading windows then crashing when I went into Internet Explorer).

It says I can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows set up using the original set up CD Rom and select R to repair.

Problem the computer is a Dell. I didn't set it up - it came loaded with XP Professional. I do have a reinstallation CD but am loath to bung that in incase it reinstalls/starts again rather than repairs. And I can't tell what it will do unless I put it in

Can anyone help please? Why did this happen? (it was fine last time I used it this morning) And more importantly What can I do?

ETA - my computer actually belongs to work and if I can't it to work I can't work!!! I work for a small charity so therefore we don't have a techie (I'm as good as it gets :eek: )

Skyhigh

""Windows could not start because the following file was missing or corrupt:
System32/Drivers/Ntfs.sys""

NTFS is the file system, different from FAT32.
The fact its saying that its missing/corrupt could be a serious issue, as its basically the thing that stores all your files on your PC.

Firstly, you may want to try a Disk repair/check.
So go into My Computer, right click on the drive, then under Tools select "Check disk" and reboot.
This may then check for corrupt/missing files and replace them.


Look at this webpage for instructions for fixing/replacing the file itself:
http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/39746/39746.html


If that doesn't work then you could try a Repair Install.
Basically it re-installs all the core OS files again.
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm
I've never lost files to doing this, but BACKUP all your data first! Just in case.


Its sounds like the error was caused by the Windows update, it could simply be that the installation failed in some way or that the new files were incompatible with your setup, therefore causing it to fail.
Each program you install, each update you perform, and even in which order you perform them, creates a unique Windows installation that will react differently to further software and even some hardware being installed.

:!:

roadsidetree

hI,

I got this idea after looking at this KB article from Microsoft -
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=822800

This article basically says if the ntfs file is corrupt, to copy this from the installation CD.

Since you don't have installation CD, can you try copying this from OH's pc - provided both OS are the same ofcourse!

According to the above article this file could be found under Windows\System32\drivers directory.

Hope this helps and good luck :-)

november

SkyHigh - thanks for the suggestion but I can't get into My Computer or anything else now. It just says it can't start Windows etc.

roadsidetree -

"Missing or corrupt Ntfs.sys" error message when you restart Windows XP after you convert your hard disk to the NTFS file system

The quote is from the link you kindly provided. I don't understand what it means by NTFS system. I didn't covert anything

My OH is on Windows XP and I am on Windows XP professional. Are they different? All the work computers are on XP professional but are all Dells Could I copy something from the one in the office as that is working? If so what am I looking for?

I am really annoyed if this has been done by a Microsoft update and if I have to start again and have lost everything on the computer I think I am going to cry. Yes I have stuff backed up to a certain extent but it was working the way I liked it and it would be a nightmare! Can you stop Microsoft automatically updating?

Skyhigh

Yes you can stop MS auto updating, from recollation you can alter it from the Control Panel, clicking "Security Centre" and disabling the updates.


Right, NTFS is basically the file system used to store your files.
Basically its a method Windows uses to determine how it stores your files on the PC.

Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional are different, Pro has a lot more functionality and uses slightly different Windows files.
If both PC's used XP Pro then you could simply copy the ntfs.sys file from an installation CD, download it online onto a floppy/CD or copy it from another PC running Windows XP.

Then you can simply replace it within the Windows file system, although if Windows will not boot you may have to do this from the Repair Console.
I suggest you google 'replace ntfs.sys' or similar terms to instruct you on how to do this.

Replacing the file should, in theory fix the problem.


Really a repair install from a Windows XP CD (pro or home, depending on which version you use) should fix it, (I think), as I said, it simply replaces the core Windows files and should not alter your user files, preferences or similar.


:!:

november

Skyhigh wrote:

Really a repair install from a Windows XP CD (pro or home, depending on which version you use) should fix it, (I think), as I said, it simply replaces the core Windows files and should not alter your user files, preferences or similar.
:!:

Is a repair install possible with a CD that says its a reinstallations CD? This disc says "Reinstallation CD Microsoft Windows XP Professional" 'The enclosed CD contains a complete version of your operating system software. This software has been preinstalled on your system. Please store safely for future recovery of your software if needed"

I don't want to use that one though if it overwrites rather than repairs.

Done the googling

Found this:

To resolve this error, you need to use the Recovery Console (RC) to replace the ntfs.sys file by performing the following steps:

Insert the XP installation CD-ROM and reboot your machine.
When the installation menu appears, press the R key to start an RC session.
When prompted, select the installation and enter the Administrator password.
At the console, navigate to the system32\drivers folder, assuming your Windows folder is called "windows," by typing
cd \windows\system32\drivers
Rename the current ntfs.sys file by typing
ren ntfs.sys ntfs.bad
Copy the ntfs.sys file from your installation CD-ROM to your current location by tying
copy <drive letter>:\i386\ntfs.sys .
Be sure you include the period at the end of the command to instruct your system to use the current location.
Remove the XP installation CD-ROM, then restart your machine.

I am feeling incredibly stupid now but I don't understand what a Recovery Console is. I assume an Installation CD is the same as my Dell Reinstallation CD? I then don't understand the next bit because if I select installation won't it overwrite? Plus I think I may still be confused by my misunderstanding of the word console which to me is something to do with a playstation (where's the smiley for hitting yourself on the forehead going doh!)

Skyhigh

I've not used a Dell factory installation CD, so I'm unsure how it acts, I've only used a standard Windows installation CD.

When you put a Windows CD in, it will usually ask you "press any key to boot from CD".

Then it will present you with the installation menu and you can follow the instructions as described in the instructions you found via Google.

You may want to try sticking the CD in to see what it does, I can't imagine it going off and re-installing everything as soon as you put the CD in.
Disclaimer: Thats common sense, it should not, although I cannot confirm it will not.

Try giving Dell a call and ask them how the CD works?
Ask them if you can access the Recovery/Repair Console from the CD you recieved with it.

Chances are, its just a customised Windows installation CD with some extra software on it.

:!:

november

I tried putting in the CD and rebooting. It just said Windows couldn't reboot due to a recent hardware or software change.

Then it said "A problem has been detected and windows has shut down to prevent damage to your computer etc.... "

Then below that -

The BIOS in this system is not fully ACPI compliant. Please contact your system vendor or visit http://hardwareupdate.com for an updated BIOS. If you are unable to obtain an updated BIOS or the latest BIOS supplied by your vendor is not ACPI compliant, you can turn off ACPI mode during text mode set up. To do this simply press the F7 key when you are prompted to install storage drivers. The system will not prompt you that the F7 key was pressed - it will silently disable ACPI and allow you to continue your installation.

Sorry but I don't understand a word of that! What is ACPI? And BIOS? And I wasn't promted to do anything its just showing that. I've taken the disc out again now.

november

Just done a switch off at mains restart without disc and it is now coming up with the BIOS message first time rather than the System32 one.

Oh and the hardwareupdate link above is a dead link

eta Just googled BIOS etc. message so I now understand it. Don't understand why I've got it though!

jammy123

Hi
I am also geting this message with windows xp home and i am completly dumb when it comes to computers.
Please could someone tell me what to do in really simple terms.
Thank you
Forgot to say my computer also came pre installed with windows.

november

jammy123 wrote:

Hi
I am also geting this message with windows xp home

The Win32/Drivers message?

If I resolve my problem I will let you know how. Equally I will post if I end up taking it to an expert which is looking more likely by the minute. I have been phoning friends to get a recommendation for a local expert.